Leatherneck_MT -> RE: Commands not being followed (12/12/2012 5:34:35 PM)

Little Powell

I got answers on the NSD board, but nothing ever worked. It still doesn't using couriers. I don't know if I'm doing something completely wrong, but I have tried ever conceivable option that has been listed on the NSB boards to get my battery commanders to do what I tell them to do. The ONLY thing that I do that will get them to position themselves where I want them, is to TC and then FORCE them to move there.

Anything else I tell them to do is briefly followed (i.e. the commander begins to move, the battery begins to limber) and then suddenly the commanders movement arrow will go right back behind the battery and the cannons will again unlimber and stay in place.

I have tried please execute this order I have tried setting and resetting the time/date on the order I have given detailed movement orders including limber, unlimber, change facing, change formation etc.. all in the same order.

NOTHING makes any difference.

Do you or anyone else have any idea what needs to be added to this? I like the courier system and it works good for infantry, but for the life of me I cannot figure out what the secret key is to get the confounded artillery commanders to do as they are ordered. Maybe shoot 'em?

Yes, what you describe is a classic example of the battery commanders ignoring your orders because they have targets in range. As soon as a target comes in their LOS, they are going to want to stop and unlimber.

This has been an issue for a while now and it is on the to-do list to address. The only sure way to get an arty commander to obey orders is to TC them.

Leatherneck_MT -> RE: Commands not being followed (12/12/2012 5:53:53 PM)

Ok, well that makes sense. At least it's not just me :)

Thanks for your very quick response!!

MarchingThruGeorgia -> RE: Commands not being followed (12/12/2012 9:26:29 PM)

Was the first command in your orders, "No Orders"? If so, then in my experience, if the battery begins to move to the location you give it but then stops and returns to its old position, the battery commander has decided that his current position is a far better place for his guns than the one you have selected. I have learned this the hard way by TCing the commander and bringing his guns to the place I wanted them. They then spend most of their time moving around, tiring out, trying to find a clear field of fire to some target.

Leatherneck_MT -> RE: Commands not being followed (12/12/2012 9:55:36 PM)

I have used the "No Orders" option, but only when I have units in place where I want them. I sent a "no orders" order to the artillery commander only once during these experiments, merely to see if sending that would clear the que so to speak, and then immediately followed up that order with a detailed movement order. They reacted the same way they did in all of the other instances.

MarchingThruGeorgia -> RE: Commands not being followed (12/12/2012 10:50:42 PM)

That may be the problem then. To move the arty create one courier message with the following orders. 1. No Orders. (This clears his stance which is normally Hold at all costs) 2. Move to. (I usually use to my rear center) 3. Face a certain direction. (optional, may not be needed) 4. Change formation. 5. Use roads. (usually not needed)

These all go into one order, not separate ones.

Leatherneck_MT -> RE: Commands not being followed (12/12/2012 10:54:57 PM)

I'll give that a try and see what happens. I've yet to use the no orders option in anything other than an individual message.

MarchingThruGeorgia -> RE: Commands not being followed (12/12/2012 11:00:59 PM)

I only use the "No orders" stance with the artillery. For the infantry and cavalry I use one of the others.

Leatherneck_MT -> RE: Commands not being followed (12/12/2012 11:08:18 PM)

Well the commander still turned back and went back to his original position, but it does seem as if the cannons themselves are now moving to a position to the rear of my main commander. we'll see if they move all the way or turn and go back.

Leatherneck_MT -> RE: Commands not being followed (12/12/2012 11:22:54 PM)

Seems that "no orders" thing actually works. Is it me or am I just stupid, that perhaps a patch needs to be made that when you give a commander an order, it overrides what he's currently doing in order to execute the commands he has been given. I understand a commander acting in violation of his orders due to a local situation, but when there is no earthly reason for him to ignore said order, it should not be an option.

MarchingThruGeorgia -> RE: Commands not being followed (12/12/2012 11:30:28 PM)

The problem is that the artillery commander gives himself the "hold at all costs" stance. It's the only unit that does so. That is probably so the guns don't go charging into the front line. For infantry and cavalry, the player tells the unit to attack, defend, etc. The "No orders" just changes the stance so the guns don't think they need to protect the ground they are on to the last man.

Leatherneck_MT -> RE: Commands not being followed (12/12/2012 11:31:39 PM)